Name: Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy 2026
Start: 2026-09-26
End: 2026-10-04
Location: Solo

October is one of the busiest months for events in Indonesia. Bali has major cultural festivals, Lombok hosts the Indonesian MotoGP, Jakarta has large music and creative events, and destinations across Java, Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua offer their own local celebrations.

For international travelers, October is particularly interesting because several events are large enough to affect accommodation, transportation and travel plans. The biggest example is the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia at Mandalika, which takes place on Lombok from October 9 to 11.

Below is our guide to the most interesting and useful events taking place across Indonesia in October 2026.

Indonesia Events in October 2026 at a Glance

Date	Event	Location	Type
October 1–5	Festival Kali Maro Pantai Arafura	Merauke, South Papua	Culture & Heritage
Through October 4 (started Sept 26)	Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy 2026	Jakarta, Solo, Yogyakarta & Bali	Food & Culture
October 2–4	Wakatobi Wonderful Festival	Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi	Marine & Culture
October 3–7	Festival Golo Curu	Ruteng, Flores	Culture & Religion
October 8–10	Nusa Penida Festival	Nusa Penida, Bali	Culture & Environment
October 9–11	Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia	Mandalika, Lombok	MotoGP
October 10	Tumpek Wayang	Across Bali	Balinese Hindu Culture
October 10–12	Gebug Seraya Festival	Karangasem, Bali	Traditional Culture
October 15–17	Festival Pinisi	Bulukumba, South Sulawesi	Maritime Culture
October 15–17	Festival Danau Poso	Poso, Central Sulawesi	Culture & Nature
October 16–18	Synchronize Festival	Jakarta	Music
October 17–18	Festival Musik Tong-Tong	Sumenep, Madura	Music & Culture
October 21–25	Ubud Writers & Readers Festival	Ubud, Bali	Literature & Culture
October 29–30	LANY Soft World Tour	Jakarta	Concert
October 30–31	Amboina International Music Fest	Ambon, Maluku	Music & Culture
October 31	Andrea Bocelli: Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour	Magelang	Concert

October 1–5: Festival Kali Maro Pantai Arafura

Location: Merauke, South Papua
Dates: October 1–5, 2026
Type: Culture, heritage and local traditions
Admission: Free

Festival Kali Maro Pantai Arafura is an annual cultural celebration in Merauke that focuses on the history, traditions and cultural identity of the Marind people of South Papua.

The programme includes religious processions, the Dahun Anggai harvest celebration, cultural performances and other activities reflecting the historical development of Merauke and the interaction between Christian traditions and local Marind culture.

For travelers heading to the far southeast of Indonesia, this is an unusual opportunity to experience a part of the country that is rarely included in standard Bali-and-Java itineraries.

Through October 4: Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy 2026 (Continued From September)

Locations: Jakarta, Solo, Yogyakarta and Bali
Dates: September 26–October 4, 2026
Type: Food, culture and tourism

Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy 2026 continues into the first days of October after beginning in late September.

The nine-day programme connects Jakarta, Solo, Yogyakarta and Bali through culinary experiences, cultural activities, chef collaborations and events designed to showcase Indonesian food heritage.

One of the major highlights takes place on October 1 at Prambanan Temple, where a special cultural dinner combines Indonesian gastronomy with one of Java’s most famous heritage sites.

The programme also includes a gastronomy forum and an artisan market, giving visitors several ways to experience Indonesian food beyond ordinary restaurant dining.

If your trip crosses from September into October, this is one of the easiest events to incorporate into an existing Indonesia itinerary.

October 2–4: Wakatobi Wonderful Festival

Location: Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi
Dates: October 2–4, 2026
Type: Marine culture, conservation and local traditions
Admission: Free

Wakatobi Wonderful Festival, also known as Wakatobi WAVE, celebrates the marine environment and cultural traditions of one of Indonesia’s most important island destinations.

The programme includes cultural parades, traditional ceremonies, decorated boats, culinary activities, creative products and environmental programmes.

Visitors can also see conservation activities such as turtle releases and coral restoration.

For travelers interested in diving, snorkeling and marine conservation, Wakatobi WAVE is particularly relevant because it combines the destination’s natural attractions with the culture of the communities living around the Wakatobi islands.

October 3–7: Festival Golo Curu

Location: Ruteng, Manggarai, Flores
Dates: October 3–7, 2026
Type: Religious and cultural festival
Admission: Free

Festival Golo Curu takes place in Ruteng, in the highlands of Flores.

The festival combines Catholic religious traditions with Manggarai culture. Visitors can experience religious processions, cultural performances, traditional dance, local crafts, food and other activities connected with the local community.

One of the unusual highlights is a large-scale celebration involving traditional songke woven textiles and the local coffee culture. Traditional Caci performances are also part of the programme.

Travelers already exploring Flores can use the festival as an additional reason to visit Ruteng before continuing toward other parts of the island.

October 8–10: Nusa Penida Festival

Location: Nusa Penida, Bali
Dates: October 8–10, 2026
Type: Culture, tourism and environmental festival
Admission: Free

The Nusa Penida Festival celebrates the island’s natural environment, traditions and local creativity under the theme of Culture, Creation and Conservation.

The programme includes cultural parades, traditional rituals, performances, outdoor activities and environmental initiatives.

Conservation activities include mangrove planting, coral restoration and baby turtle releases.

Local businesses also participate through food stalls, handicrafts and other products.

For tourists already planning a Nusa Penida trip in October, this is one of the best opportunities to experience the island beyond its famous viewpoints and beaches.

Our Best Time to Visit Nusa Penida guide can help with seasonal planning, while our 3-Day Nusa Penida Itinerary is useful if you want to combine the festival with the island’s main attractions.

October 9–11: Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia

Location: Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, Lombok
Dates: October 9–11, 2026
Type: MotoGP

The biggest international sporting event in Indonesia in October is the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 at the Mandalika International Circuit.

The weekend begins with free practice on Friday, October 9. Saturday includes qualifying and the Sprint Race, while the main MotoGP race takes place on Sunday, October 11.

The event also includes a Fan Zone, live music, automotive exhibitions and local food and product stalls.

Official ticket prices start from IDR 450,000, with different categories available including general admission, grandstands and hospitality packages.

For travelers planning to attend, this is an event where accommodation and transport should be arranged well in advance. Mandalika and the surrounding parts of Lombok are significantly busier during the MotoGP weekend.

Our Lombok Travel Guide covers the main areas to stay and things to do, while our Where to Stay in Lombok guide can help you choose an area for the race weekend.

October 10: Tumpek Wayang

Location: Across Bali
Date: October 10, 2026
Type: Balinese Hindu religious and cultural day

Tumpek Wayang is a sacred day in the Balinese Hindu calendar dedicated to wayang, the traditional shadow-puppet art of Bali and Indonesia.

On this day, puppeteers traditionally take their wayang figures out of storage and make offerings to them as part of the religious ceremony.

Travelers should not treat Tumpek Wayang as a conventional tourist festival. It is primarily a religious observance, so visitors should be respectful around temples and ceremonies.

For travelers interested in Balinese culture, however, it is an interesting opportunity to see how traditional performing arts are connected with everyday religious life on the island.

October 10–12: Gebug Seraya Festival

Location: Seraya, Karangasem, Bali
Dates: October 10–12, 2026
Type: Traditional Balinese culture

The Gebug Seraya Festival showcases one of the distinctive traditions of eastern Bali.

The central attraction is Gebug Ende, a traditional ritual in which participants face each other with rattan sticks and shields.

The tradition is associated with strength, courage and prayers for protection and a successful agricultural season.

The festival also includes traditional dance and music, local food, handicrafts and other community activities.

For travelers exploring Karangasem and East Bali, this is a much more local cultural experience than the large tourist events concentrated in southern Bali.

October 15–17: Festival Pinisi

Location: Bulukumba, South Sulawesi
Dates: October 15–17, 2026
Type: Maritime culture
Admission: Free

Festival Pinisi celebrates the maritime heritage of Bulukumba and the famous Pinisi sailing ship, which is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The festival gives visitors an opportunity to learn about traditional shipbuilding and the ceremonies associated with the construction of Pinisi boats.

The programme also includes cultural activities connected with the Kajang community, culinary experiences, handicrafts and opportunities to experience traditional sailing culture.

For travelers interested in Indonesia’s maritime history, this is one of the country’s most distinctive regional festivals.

October 15–17: Festival Danau Poso

Location: Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi
Dates: October 15–17, 2026
Type: Culture, nature and local traditions
Admission: Free

Festival Danau Poso takes place around Lake Poso and celebrates the traditions of the Pamona people.

The programme includes decorated vehicle parades, traditional cooking, cultural performances, traditional cake-making, fashion events and creative-economy exhibitions.

The festival also incorporates environmental activities such as tree planting and fish releases.

Lake Poso is far outside the usual Bali-Jakarta tourist circuit, making this a particularly interesting event for travelers looking for a less conventional side of Indonesia.

October 16–18: Synchronize Festival

Location: Gambir Expo Kemayoran, Jakarta
Dates: October 16–18, 2026
Type: Music festival

Synchronize Festival is one of Indonesia’s major multi-genre music festivals.

The 2026 edition takes place at Gambir Expo Kemayoran and brings together a large lineup of Indonesian musicians across different generations and musical styles.

The festival is a good option for travelers who want to experience contemporary Indonesian music rather than an international touring concert.

Because the event takes place in Jakarta, it can also be easily combined with a city itinerary.

Our Jakarta for First-Time Visitors guide covers the main areas, attractions and practical information for planning a short stay.

October 17–18: Festival Musik Tong-Tong

Location: Sumenep, Madura, East Java
Dates: October 17–18, 2026
Type: Traditional music and culture
Admission: Free

Festival Musik Tong-Tong celebrates the traditional musical heritage of the Madurese people.

Tong-tong music originally developed from traditional night patrols and has evolved into a distinctive performance style using percussion instruments, decorated carts and large-scale nighttime displays.

The festival combines traditional music with modern arrangements, competitions, performances and traditional Madurese costumes.

For travelers exploring East Java and Madura, it offers a cultural experience that is very different from the better-known festivals of Bali and Yogyakarta.

October 21–25: Ubud Writers & Readers Festival

Location: Ubud, Bali
Dates: October 21–25, 2026
Type: Literature, arts and culture

The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is one of the most established international literary festivals in Southeast Asia.

The 2026 edition is built around the theme “Samarasā: Awareness. Empathy. Action.” and brings more than 150 writers, journalists, artists, thinkers and other speakers to Ubud.

The programme includes author talks, panel discussions, book launches, workshops, masterclasses, live performances, spoken-word events and evening programmes.

More than 100 events are scheduled across different venues in Ubud.

The festival is particularly attractive for travelers who want to combine Bali’s cultural atmosphere with international literature, journalism and creative events.

International four-day festival passes are currently listed at IDR 7,800,000, while one-day options are also available.

Our guide to getting around Ubud can help with local transportation, while our Bali Airport to Ubud guide covers the journey from Ngurah Rai Airport.

October 29–30: LANY Soft World Tour

Location: Indonesia Arena, Jakarta
Dates: October 29–30, 2026
Type: International concert

American pop-rock duo LANY brings its Soft World Tour to Jakarta for two concerts on October 29 and 30.

The shows take place at Indonesia Arena and are among the larger international music events scheduled in Jakarta during October.

Official Indonesia Travel information lists tickets from IDR 850,000, although availability can change as the concert approaches.

Travelers visiting Jakarta around these dates should check accommodation and transportation around the venue, particularly if they are planning to attend both nights.

October 30–31: Amboina International Music Fest

Location: Ambon, Maluku
Dates: October 30–31, 2026
Type: International music and cultural festival
Admission: Free

Ambon is recognised by UNESCO as a City of Music, and the Amboina International Music Festival is one of the city’s flagship cultural events.

The festival brings together traditional and contemporary music, international cultural exchange and performances representing different musical traditions.

For travelers visiting Maluku at the end of October, the event offers a chance to experience Ambon’s music culture alongside the city’s broader heritage.

October 31: Andrea Bocelli – Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour

Location: Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java
Date: October 31, 2026
Type: International concert

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli brings his Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour to Indonesia at the end of October.

The Indonesian tour includes performances at Borobudur in Magelang and Jakarta, with the Borobudur concert scheduled for October 31.

The concert commemorates 30 years since the release of Romanza, the album that helped establish Bocelli as an international star.

For travelers already planning to visit Central Java, the event could be combined with a Borobudur and Yogyakarta itinerary. Ticketing and final event arrangements should be checked with the official Indonesian promoter before travel.

What Are the Best Events to See in Indonesia in October 2026?

If you are choosing events specifically around a holiday itinerary, these are the October events we would prioritize:

For motorsport: Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia at Mandalika
For Bali culture: Nusa Penida Festival
For literature and international culture: Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
For food: Wonderful Indonesia Gastronomy 2026
For marine culture: Wakatobi Wonderful Festival
For traditional Balinese culture: Gebug Seraya Festival
For maritime heritage: Festival Pinisi in Bulukumba
For music: Synchronize Festival in Jakarta
For a less-visited destination: Festival Golo Curu in Flores
For international music: LANY in Jakarta or Andrea Bocelli in Central Java

Which October Events Are Most Important for Travelers?

Three events stand out from a travel-planning perspective.

MotoGP Mandalika is the biggest event likely to affect accommodation and transportation. If you are traveling to Lombok around October 9–11, book early and expect higher demand.

Nusa Penida Festival is particularly useful for travelers already planning an island trip because it combines sightseeing with cultural and environmental activities.

Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is the strongest cultural event in Bali during the second half of the month and is worth considering if you enjoy literature, arts and international cultural programming.

Planning a Trip to Indonesia in October?

October is a transition month for many parts of Indonesia, so your itinerary should take regional weather differences into account.

If Bali is your main destination, our Bali for First-Time Visitors guide is a useful starting point. You can also check our Best Time to Visit Bali guide when deciding where to spend the month.

If you are planning to combine Bali with Lombok, our Lombok for First-Time Visitors guide and Bali to Gili Islands travel guide can help with the next part of the trip.

For travelers heading to Jakarta for Synchronize Festival or one of the international concerts, see our Jakarta Travel Guide and Jakarta Airport Guide.

October 2026 Events in Indonesia: Important Note

Event dates and programmes can change, particularly for outdoor festivals and regional cultural celebrations. Always check the official organiser or government tourism information before traveling specifically for an event.

We have deliberately not included events where the October 2026 date could not be reliably confirmed. This is especially important with Bali’s annual event calendar, where some unofficial websites continue to publish older dates.

Browse Other Months

Sources

Planning a wider Southeast Asia trip?

Vietnam With Me — practical Vietnam travel guides

Cambodia With Me — practical Cambodia travel guides

Siam With Me — Thailand travel guides

Singapore With Me — Singapore travel guides

Indonesia Events in October 2026: Festivals, MotoGP, Culture & Things to Do